Practical Guide to Metal Detection-Food Industry
Fortress Technology
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29-Oct-2010
Flexible packaging sector struggles to adjust after Amcor takeover of Alcan
European flexible packaging converters are struggling to come to terms with the emergence of Amcor as the region’s major player following its takeover of Alcan, said a new report from...
IPA round up: footfall, industry sentiment and strikes
The IPA show 2010, held in Paris last week, gave food processing equipment makers from across the globe the chance to gather to exhibit their products and hopefully do some business.
UK pumps £4.2m into food and drink training
A new £4.2m funding project will cover 50 per cent of employee training costs in the UK food and drink industry and aims to deliver flexible training courses in addition...
Ball reports mixed can packaging picture in Q3
Ball Corporation has posted a slip in third quarter sales revenue from its European can sales revenue while its Americas & Asia division reported strong growth.
In line image analysis can enhance gluten-free biscuit production, study
Computer vision offers benefits over conventional colour-measuring instruments for biscuit manufacturers in that it enables the analysis of the whole biscuit surface, and can effectively determine surface cracks and other...
28-Oct-2010
News in brief
FDA hands out $18.5m for food safety projects
Federal regulators in the US have this year awarded $18.5m worth of grants to 84 food and feed safety initiatives.
FDA warns Mead Johnson over infant formula packaging
Mead Johnson Nutrition failed to supply US authorities with the proper details for some of its infant formula packaging prior to launching them onto the market, said the Food and...
Telles expands its bioplastics line to food applications
A new bioplastic thermoforming grade was launched this week for food packaging applications by Telles, a joint venture between Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Metabolix.
FDF allergen guide aims to curb excess ‘may contain’ labelling
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) in the UK has published an allergen guidance paper that aims to curb excessive use of precautionary ‘may contain’ labelling.
News in brief
Studies to explore BPA effects on children
US scientists are to use a US$2m grant to launch a series of studies to measure the possible effect of bisphenol A and phthalates on children.
Heinz rejects packaging lawsuit claims
A lawsuit has been filed by against H J Heinz accusing the company of stealing the concept for its ‘Dip & Squeeze’ packaging. But the food giant has vigorously...
SIG Combibloc breaks into South American juice market
SIG Combibloc has signed its first deal with a juice drink maker in South America as the carton pack manufacturer looks to grow its presence in the region.
27-Oct-2010
Dutch company buys controlling stake in Austrian processor on EC say-so
Potato processor Lamb Weston/Meijer (LWM) said it has completed a deal to buy a controlling stake in Austrian outfit Frisch & Frost (F&F) after being given the go-ahead by Brussels....
News in brief
Dairy UK appeals for tougher cheese origin labelling
Representatives of the UK dairy industry have called on politicians to take tougher legislative action to stamp out misleading origin labelling.
UK freezes most packaging recycling targets until 2013
Recycling targets for plastic and steel packaging were singled out for increase yesterday by the UK Government as it announced its new objectives fover the next two years.
Chávez plans to nationalise O-I bottling plant
Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez has announced his intentions to take over the local unit of US bottler Owens-Illinois (O-I), as part of ongoing attempts by the government to nationalise parts...
Eco-friendly clingfilm matches traditional products, says Novamont
A new biodegradable and compostable clingfilm has the same strength and stretch properties as traditional products, said Novamont, the firm behind the development.
26-Oct-2010
New method brings computer detection of foodborne pathogens a step closer
US researchers claim to have taken a “major step towards” teaching computers to detect and classify foodborne pathogens such as Listeria, E.coli and salmonella in real time.
Bag-in-box cereal liner now protects flavour and aroma, says Amcor
A HDPE based bag-in-box liner developed for breakfast cereals is step changing in that it offers odour/flavour as well as moisture barrier protection through the use of multi-layer packaging technology,...
Curwood launches lightweight CPET trays
Curwood has launched a lightweight CPET tray for processors of fresh bakery and ready-to-eat foods that it claims can maintain toughness and stability at both low and high temperatures.
New resin know-how boosts COC material performance - company
Improved processability, higher purity and greater heat resistance are benefits claimed by Topas Advanced Polymers for its new resin technology for cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) material for the food industry.
Hysteresis device offers constant capping for bottlers
Mayr has developed a hysteresis-based system for capping glass and plastic bottles that aims to reduce production variations and maintenance costs.
Canada charts progress in wake of fatal Listeria outbreak
Canadian food safety officials said “considerable progress” has been made in overhauling the country’s food safety systems in the wake of the Maple Leaf Listeria outbreak that killed 23 in 2008.
LFR seeks partners to tackle Norovirus
Leatherhead Food Research (LFR) is inviting partners to work with it on a collaborative project to determine the most effective control measures for Norovirus, the organism believed to be responsible ...
Scientists create biogradable styrofoam from milk
US scientists have used the protein in milk and clay to develop a new lightweight biodregradable styrofoam material which they claim could be a substitute for traditional foamed plastics.
25-Oct-2010
Swallow this. Trials begin of cutting edge technology that mimics peristalsis
Food manufacturers in the East Midlands have started to trial a new depositor inventors claim could slash changeover times and significantly increase flexibility in food production plants.
Retailer claims UK first for compostable chocolate box tray
UK supermarket chain, Marks & Spencer, said its entire Swiss chocolate range will now feature a corn starch-based Plantic tray to hold the chocolates, while the outer-box, it added, is...
News in brief
Chinese more worried about food safety than cancer- survey
Chinese consumers rate food safety as the second gravest risk to health, with only earthquakes triggering more anxiety, according to a recent report from an insurance company.
Seda International announces US expansion plans
Seda International Packaging has unveiled plans to expand into the US after announcing it would be investing US$76m in a new plant in Wisconsin.
EC calls for views on nanomaterial definition
After hammering out a definition of the term ‘nanomaterial’ in a draft resolution, the European Commission is now inviting comments from interested parties over the next four weeks.
EFSA Management Board re-elects Chair, rejects conflict of interest
The new Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority held its first meeting late last week, re-electing Diána Bánáti as Chair – and restated its rejection of conflict of...
22-Oct-2010
New wash solution boosts salad safety, says Chiquita
A breakthrough produce wash has been developed that dramatically reduces the presence microorganisms on leafy greens and helps maintain freshness, said Chiquita.
Steriflow launches industry-scale Shaka heat sterilization system
Steriflow said it has produced its first industry-sized version of a heat sterilization system that rapidly shakes products to result in reduced processing time and improved food quality.
21-Oct-2010
Dispatches from IPA 2010
Ceramic insulation wins IPA research innovation award for JBT FoodTech
JBT FoodTech said the development of its latex based ceramic insulation system – an IPA innovation award winner this week - was informed by insights gained from space shuttle engineering.
US PET recycling rate needs to double – NAPCOR
The US PET recycling rate needs to at least double from it was in 2009 in order to achieve a sufficient level of supply, concluded a report released yesterday.
Positive outlook for southern African plastic packaging sector
Increasing demand from the emerging middle class and the growing food and beverage sectors will drive growth for plastic packaging in southern Africa, according to a report from Frost &...
Consumer fears spurring industry push for bisphenol A substitutes
Food and beverage companies are increasingly ditching bisphenol A (BPA) from food can linings in response to growing consumer concern over the chemical, according to a new report.
Huhtamaki posts buoyant figures despite raw material price hikes
Huhtamaki said increased demand for its flexible packaging and films combined with favourable currency exchange conditions had boosted its net sales and earnings during the first nine months of the...
Texan produce plant shut down after listeria-tainted celery kills five
The Texas Department of State Health Services has stopped production at a produce processing plant in San Antonio after it linked five deaths to listeria-contaminated chopped celery from the facility.
20-Oct-2010
DISPATCHES FROM IPA 2010
SPX hungry for growth in food, brewing and emerging markets
FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with Patrick Dowling of SPX Flow Technology at IPA 2010 to talk about the company’s strategies for acquisition and sector growth.
New approach allows rapid honey trace element analysis, says Thermo Fisher
A new quality control method for honey facilitates faster trace element analysis while reducing operational costs, claims its developer Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Alfa Laval withdraws Munters bid but targets further acquisitions
Alfa Laval has withdrawn its offer to buy out Munters after it decided not to match the bid tabled by Cidron Intressenter last week.
Commission proposes temporary ban on cloned food
The European Commission has proposed a temporary ban on animal cloning for food production in the European Union, at a meeting of the European Commission, Council and Parliament held in...
New recycling technology promises to get more out of cartons
Stora Enso and Tetra Pak have unveiled a new recycling technology in Barcelona that facilitates the reuse of the plastic and aluminium in beverage cartons.
19-Oct-2010
Dispatches from IPA 2010
Trends driving belting technology
Heightened food safety concerns, durability, ease of cleaning and minimising downtime are all trends driving developments in belting systems for food processing players.
Frozen vegetable processors target of IPA launched Best sorter
Frozen vegetable or fruit manufacturers are the target of a new free-fall camera sorter that detects foreign materials using colour, shape and structure recognition technology, claims Best.
Heinz works with Carbon Trust to eat into energy bill
Heinz has taken a 13 per cent slice out of its energy budget at its massive Kitt Green food processing plant in the UK thanks to work on energy recycling.
China fish oil safe but quality could improve
Industry representatives have dismissed media reports that fish oil imports from China threaten the health of US consumers while acknowledging the need for some Chinese producers to improve quality.
18-Oct-2010
DISPATCHES FROM IPA 2010
Flexible snap-open pouch claimed to eliminate food waste
A new flexible single portion sachet made from high barrier laminates is said to adhere to consumer demand for easy opening packs and eliminate residual food from the packaging.
DISPATCHES FROM IPA 2010
Innovative NIR analyzer cuts cost, product giveaway
Significant reductions in product variation, a swift return on investment and cost and labour cuts are all benefits claimed by Alpma for its NIR analyzer for dairy processors.
15-Oct-2010
Mycotoxin analyses adopted as European standard
Two analytical methods to measure mycotoxins in infant food have been adopted as the European benchmark test by the region’s standard setting committee.
New winery and brewery aims to be carbon neutral
A new $20m winery, brewery and food-processing centre at the University of California (UC) Davis aims to become carbon neutral over the next two years, with plans to also become...
14-Oct-2010
Comment
Regulatory clarity for nutricosmetics proves elusive
Somewhere, in some time, there exists a land of beauty and promise for nutricosmetics products, where beauty supplements, foods and drinks can frolic, happy in the knowledge of their justifiable...
Bisphenol A officially declared toxic by Canada
Canada became the first country in the world yesterday to declare bisphenol A (BPA) to be a toxic substance that poses risks to human health and the environment.
Saint-Gobain mulls packaging division IPO
Glass container giant Companie de Saint-Gobain has announced plans to float its packaging division on the stock exchange.
EU amends border checks for certain plant products
The EU will ease controls for three imported products and boost the control frequency for Indian groundnuts, the European Commission has said.
13-Oct-2010
UK food radioactivity exposure is safe - report
The level of radioactivity to which UK people are exposed to from food during 2009 remained below the European Union (EU) legal limit, according to a report published yesterday by...
New process method could boost Malaysian cocoa output
A scheme based on a computer-aided process simulation tool can optimise the cocoa manufacturing process in Malaysia and double output, claims new research.
FSSC food safety scheme claims first for EU-wide recognition
The global food manufacturers’ safety scheme FSSC 22000 is the first to win recognition throughout the European Union after its acceptance by European Co-operation for Accreditation.
EC takes action on morpholine as industry calls for global regs harmonisation
The European Commission has confirmed that fruit glazed with wax containing morpholine cannot be sold in the economic bloc because the additive has not been approved under EU legislation.
New screening system slashes bacterial detection time
Mocon Inc said its new screening system significantly reduces bacterial detection times for food processors and packers, as well as boosting speed-to-market times across a range of products.
12-Oct-2010
PepsiCo aims to convert potato waste into crisp packaging
PepsiCo UK is researching the feasibility of converting potato peel waste into crisp packaging and estimates a two year timeframe before market introduction.
Union strike planned at Coca-Cola Enterprises in Europe
European trade unions at Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) are planning coordinated action on 27 October in opposition to restructuring plans that Unite claims could involve over 400 job cuts.
UK crackdown on ‘processing aid’ morpholine to have global impact – trade body
The UK’s clampdown on fruit glazed with wax containing morpholine is disproportionate and will trigger repercussions on a global scale, a trade body has said.
Regular monitoring of cereal based foods for trichothecenes urged
Continual monitoring of cereal based foods for trichothecenes is urged by researchers that noted high incidence of deoxynivalenol (DON) presence in bread, pasta and breakfast cereal products in Spain even...
Sidel creates South African subsidiary
Sidel has created its own subsidiary in South Africa to better serve the growing beverage industry in the country and surrounding region.
Zork signs Tesco deal to bring re-sealable top to UK sparkling wines
Australian closure supplier Zork has signed a deal with Tesco to bring its re-sealable top for sparkling wine to the UK market.
Sainsbury packaging prosecution dropped at the last minute
Sainsbury’s will no longer face legal action over allegations of excess packaging after the UK authority behind the prosecution said bringing the case was “no longer in the public...
News in brief
Vinamilk buys two GEA dairy processing lines
Vietnam-based Vinamilk has placed a €30m order with GEA Process Engineering for two complete dairy processing lines to be used in the production of infant formula.
11-Oct-2010
Polenghi claims Europe’s first extrusion moulded bio-bottle
An innovative reformulation of an established bio-based plastic has seen the development of Europe’s first extrusion-moulded bottle using eco-packaging material, said Polenghi.
News in brief
Nampak buys FourFourTwo
Nampak Plastics Europe Limited has acquired HDPE bottle producer FourFourTwo Ltd.
Bosch to build Indian packaging plant on soaring food and bev demand
Bosch has unveiled plans to build a new €4m packaging machinery plant in India to meet burgeoning demand growth from the country’s food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.
Processors must have final say on slaughterhouse cameras – BMPA
Proposals to fit surveillance cameras in UK slaughterhouses to combat animal welfare abuses must remain voluntary as violations are relatively rare, said the head of the British Meat Processors...
Survey reflects on European attitudes to glass packaging
Consumers in southern Europe have a particularly positive attitude towards food and drink products packed in glass, according to a survey of European attitudes to glass packaging.
08-Oct-2010
Fraunhofer scientist develops new active film
A scientist at the Fraunhofer Instituteas developed new antimicrobial active packaging film that targets microorganisms on the surface of meat, fish and cheese to extend product shelf life.
US scrutinizes eco-friendly claims
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed changes to its guidelines for ‘green’ label claims to help marketers avoid making statements that could mislead consumers.
EC not ruling out action against BPA, plans to curb infant exposure
Brussels said health uncertainties raised by EFSA over bisphenol A (BPA) could spur future action against the chemical, as it highlighted the need to minimise infant exposure to the substance.
07-Oct-2010
Elopak launches new eco friendly milk cartons
Elopak has launched a new green carton pack for milk products that it claims delivers a lower carbon footprint, cost savings and a more user friendly design.
FDA calls for investment in science to prevent 'food safety breakdowns'
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said it must update its scientific tools to ensure the safety of the products it regulates in a new agency white paper.
New series of light fittings for hazardous gas and dust environments
Cooper Crouse-Hinds have launched a new range of NVMV Ex pendant light fittings for HID lamps for use in hazardous gas and hazardous dust environments in food processing plants.
News in brief
Ball expands US production of aluminum bottle
Ball Corporation is expanding production of its Alumi-Tek aluminum bottle to meet growing demand in North America.
O-I ₤9m furnace to up production, cut costs at Scottish plant
O-I said its new ₤9m (€10.2m) glass furnace for its operations in Scotland would boost productivity, while cutting energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Edible coatings enhance shelf life of ready-to-eat blueberries
New research has suggested that the application of edible coatings on pre-washed blueberries could extend their shelf life and open up new commercial markets for the fruit.
06-Oct-2010
Walkers’ safety procedures revised after toxic gas death
Walkers Snack Foods has revised its chemical delivery policy following on from a 2006 incident which resulted in a delivery truck driver being killed from toxic gas and the food...
Nicholl launches new range of compostable food trays
Nicholl Food Packaging has introduced a new range of trays made from a sugar cane byproduct that can be composted by consumers at home.
News in brief
Alfa Laval ups offer for Munters as bidding war begins
Alfa Laval has increased its offer for Munters by around 500m kroner (€67m) just days after Cidron Intressenter made rival bid for the company.
No significant risk in using recycled hot water in meat decontamination - EFSA
Using hot recycled water as a decontamination technique for meat carcasses is as effective as hot potable water, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Court bans ads claiming single-serve PET bottles pose health risk
A US court has issued an injunction against a steel container producer from making claims in advertisements that PET water bottles could pose a health risk to the public.
Frito Lay withdraws eco SunChips bags and goes back to lab
Snack maker Frito Lay has reverted to the original non-biodegradable material for five of its six SunChips brand bags after consumer feedback indicated its new 100 per cent plant-based polylactic...
05-Oct-2010
Comment
Bisphenol A on the brink?
To BPA or not to BPA? While the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) backed the continued use of bisphenol A last week, the real question is whether the verdict was...
Regulators, industry and scientist hail EFSA bisphenol A opinion
A major plastics trade body, a leading scientist, and the UK food safety watchdog have all backed the European Food Safety Authority’s bisphenol A (BPA) opinion that the tolerable daily...
IFR and Nestle develop new method for detecting C. botulinum
The Institute of Food Research (IFR) in the UK and the Nestle Research Centre in Switzerland have collaborated in the development of a new method for detecting spores of non-proteolytic...
FDA issues draft guidance on acidified and fermented foods
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance on acidified and fermented foods, such as pickles, relishes and olives, to provide recommendations on manufacturing and quality control.
04-Oct-2010
NovelQ project bears fruit with new HPP packaging
Trials are underway at Italian flexible film manufacturer Icimendue on a newly developed multilayered packaging applicable for high pressure food sterilization – one of many spin offs initiated under the...
Bon Bon Buddies aims to expand further in Europe
UK based confectionery company Bon Bon Buddies (BBB) has announced its plans to expand further in Europe through the development of its production facilities and the current relaunch of its...
Amcor eyes film expansion with B-Pack Due takeover
Amcor has acquired cast polypropylene (CPP) producer B-Pack Due for €43m as apart of a strategic move to expand its film output.
Study to explore PET potential for beer packaging
PET may have something of an image problem to overcome in the beer market but researchers from Pira International believe technological developments could spark a take off in the coming...
SPECIAL EDITION: ROBOTICS
Advancing technology and lower costs could fuel meat sector uptake of robotics
Greater hygiene, improved consistency of operation and greater productivity are all key advantages to be realised from using robotics in meat processing and packaging, said the German Institute of...
Denmark and France maintain bisphenol A ban
Denmark has said that unless Brussels imposes a Europe-wide ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials for young children it will not lift its own ban on the...
No increased concern from food process contaminants, FSA
Levels of acrylamide and a number of other process contaminants present in foods are not a cause for increased concern about the risk to human health, according to the latest...
Dairy and whisky firms test novel technology to clean pipes
A novel technology that uses air instead of gallons of water and cleaning agents to clean process pipe work is being installed at a UK whisky manufacturer this week and...
01-Oct-2010
Leaf Holland transfers production to Slovakian site
Dutch-Swedish confectioner Leaf Holland is to increase capacity by 13 per cent at its Slovakian plant with the transfer of its Malaco brand powder line from its facility in south Denmark.
Industry welcomes EFSA bisphenol A verdict as boost to consumer confidence
Industry bodies on both sides of the Atlantic have hailed the verdict from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that current safe intake levels for bisphenol A (BPA) should...
Tetra Pak plan to cease production at UK plant on falling carton demand
Tetra Pak said a change in market conditions is the reason behind its proposal to stop production at a UK carton plant and cut up to 150 jobs.
Special edition: Robotics
Robots establish themselves in beverage and dairy industries
In the third part of our special edition on robotics in the food industry we explore how robots are becoming a more common sight in the dairy and beverage sectors.
EFSA rejects bisphenol A concerns, reconfirms TDI
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said there is no new evidence to suggest the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for bisphenol A (BPA) needs to be changed as it reconfirmed...
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